The Devil, You Say. A Grail Wisdom Lesson.

TETH, The Shining One

This lesson is a favorite since it dispels a bunch of nonsense that has been the fodder for many a cool movie, but not so much accurate information. Teth is the Shining One, a Serpent. On the Path between Geburah and Tiphareth Teth is numbered 9 for counting and is the ninth letter. Using Gematria and the Hebrew Alphabet used in the Tree of Life teaching symbol we arrive at illuminating information to guide us to a successful life while pursuing our purpose.  See the Lesson of “The Helping Hand of God” for review.

Here between the heart of the Tree and Severity, Geburah, we find by the numbers, “brother, booty, prey” and “shout of Joy.”  This shows the diverse relationships we can have with our families and all people are brothers.  A brother can be a reason to shout for joy.  (We have one of those.) A brother or any person we know can be prey to our less-than-honorable intentions.  In the past a brother could even be booty: Jacob was sold to the Egyptians. It seems we are put on our mettle to choose a wise course to benefit everyone, not just ourselves.  We gather joy or shame from our actions.

The Serpent was the symbol used in Genesis to tell us that Eve was tempted by a Bright and Shining Serpent and he tempted her with the fruit (Knowledge) of the Tree of Good and Evil; thus, she is blamed for the fall of mankind from Eden. In her defense, it was Adam who ate the apple at her urging; and if he was so smart how come it took a fallen angel to entice her, but only Eve to convince Adam?  The point is that the forbidden knowledge was the real bait that was Bright and Shining and that is what brought about the downfall from innocence. Being a symbol only in this context Apples were not really involved but are a good source of fiber, pectin, and healthy enzymes. Eat away.

Back to the more serious point here.  The Devil, the Flash card for Teth,  is really our own idea that something is worth chancing even if in our hearts we know it is a poor choice. Illegal drugs, infidelities, thefts, murders, cheats, lies, are all poor choices that we could choose as a bright and shining solution to a problem or a desired effect. We know adultery is wrong but how many marriages are ruined because of it? How many lives are eschew because of a drug addition?
The list goes on.  Sex is a large occasion for poor choices and there is even a pair of humans, tied  by the Devil on the card.  This is one reason why so much sin and even disease is associated with sex.

Five of Geburah, 9 and 6, the simple number of Tiphareth, equal 20. “A vision.” This is the pertinent correspondence since it tells us what we are dealing with. We hold a vision of life with the result we desire and that is the temptation.  If it is someone else’s spouse, it is a poor choice. If the desired result is wholesome and life-improving in Unity with the Divine Mind, it is a good choice, not a temptation, as such.  Learn to spot the “Devil” to have your life go smoother.
Five above and Teth’s 9 is 14, gold, love, beloved, sufficiency, plenty.  These are good things and deserved for honest application. When stolen, they are a source of shame.
Teth and the 6 of Tiphareth is 11, “arrogant” and “feast.”  Are your results negative or positive?  Your heart ought to tell you which.  If not, test the result as to whether or not it brought harm to someone else. Are you feeding ego or reaping deserved accolades?  

Spelled out 419 is the extended number of Teth, and with 216 of Geburah, Severity, is 635, “Morning Star,” “Son of the Dawn,” “Lucifer.”  Point made yet?  Our shining idea can be a light to guide us by or the “Devil” to lead us astray.  Knowing the difference is where judgement comes in.  We study the lesson of Caph, strength and see where that concept fits helps us too.   We need both judgement and strength to become a magus instead of a mutt.

Add the extended numbers of Teth and Tiphareth, Glory, Beauty to get 1500.  The basic attribute here is that of 15, a name for Chokmah, Wisdom.   Apply your good heart to achieve Glory and Beauty.   Divide 1500 by 9 to get “Most High.”  Also, “The Heaven of Geburah.”  How do you see yourself?  Are you a person who will choose Harmony or your self-centered wants?  Clearly the choice is yours but  arrogance or glory are two very different outcomes.
Add the three extended numbers to get 2436.  Divide by 9 of Teth to get 270 which comes up with I.N.R.I., the sign on the cross above Yeshua’s head.  (Also these initials in Latin claim: Isis, Queen of Ineffable Nature, Isis Naturae Regina Ineffibilis.  There are other titles with the same initials for your information.) It seems that titles can be a burden or praise.
The point is still made: all things are possible if you put enough force behind it but will you choose for good or evil?  The 635 of Geburah and Teth divided by the Trinity gives us worthy and fear as in wonderment.  Divided by the 9 of Lucifer is night. Also, Hush, silent.  Draw your own conclusions.

Parting Thoughts on This Triad.
The Triad of Geburah, Chesed and Tiphareth (Severity, Mercy and Beauty/Glory, respectively) or 15 gives us Pride, a carrying out and exaltation. Add the three extended numbers for further information: 1369 is 37 squared. And 37 is flame, to grow great,, to grow old, perish.  Also “God.”  The power of these concepts is here and has the potential to make us great, God-like or perish, depending upon on how we use the ability to envision and carry out our designs.  Since this is the Grail, indulge your Mistress of the Keep of Knowledge if we use the phrase from the knight in the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”: “Choose wisely.” * * *